Talk Story with an Advertiser: Ocean Sports

Ocean Sports has been providing exceptional ocean adventures to residents and visitors of Hawai‘i Island since 1981, when Waikoloa Beach Resort was first being developed. They currently operate two legendary sailing catamarans, Seasmoke and Manu Iwa; a well-appointed power catamaran, Alala; and the glass bottom boat, GBB. These vessels take guests on award-winning snorkel, sunset, whale watch (in season), and exclusive cruises. They also offer beach toy rentals such as stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, hydrobikes, snorkel gear, boogie boards, even noodles and floats, plus beach day packages, and excursions from their hut at ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay. In addition to all that, they have two retail outlets—one is at the Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa and the other in Kawaihae.

Ocean Sports is truly an ‘ohana. Their guests return over and over because, as they often comment, they feel they’re part of that ‘ohana. The staff at Ocean Sports is what makes it unique. It draws employees who are passionate about sharing their love for Hawai‘iʻs marine environment and that passion and respect comes through in everything they do. Interestingly, because Ocean Sports has been running continuously since 1981, they’ve been able to offer employment opportunities to some of the now-grown children of their earlier crews, and this new generation is sharing the passions of their parents!

Ocean Sports’ guests join them from all over the world. There’s no typical age range or personality. The staff loves teaching them to snorkel, showing them what’s below the surface of the ocean through their Glass Bottom Boat windows, or showing them their first Humpback whale breach.

One of the challenges for this type of business is the vagary of the weather. They won’t operate their cruises or beach activities in less-than-safe conditions, and that can certainly affect business from time to time.

Owner Judith “Judi” Jennet says, “We feel really privileged that we’ve had the opportunity to live and share our passion with visitors and the local community all these years. As a locally owned and operated company, we live aloha, and we live to share aloha with each other and with our guests. We work hard to provide opportunities for growth for our employees, and our commitment to sharing our love for the ocean and Hawai‘i runs deep. Ocean Sports has always been about the friends we make, and the adventures we share. Come join us!”

Ocean Sports
69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, HI 96738
808.886.6666
HawaiiOceanSports.com